Why I moved to Thailand and have multiple residencies?
First, I like Thailand, but unlike most people that do move here or retire here. I am not here for its beauty and beaches. I am not saying a dislike the place quite the opposite, but it is not the prime reason as to why I am an expat here.
The other reason that most people seem to presume why so many are living here is its low cost of living. That again drive Nomads up to Chiang Mai, or retirees down to Hua Hin for the last 10 years.
That is kind of true but would argue depending on where you live and your lifestyle it is becoming not so cheap. Add to this the high Thai Baht to USD. And being the highest performing currency of 2019.
I would argue its not the cheap cost of living, I presently spend a proportion of my time in Bangkok (central). I would say gone are the days in these areas for the cheap lifestyle, several data reports agree (expatrism and Numbero). In fact, most comparison sites give it the same cost as most northern cities in the U.K.
Of course, I am not saying that you can’t come here in and live a cheaper life, taxis, rent (in some areas) local food is a lot cheaper if you adopt your lifestyle. So, it can be an option still for people on must budget ranges.
I see better options for personnel looking for just pure value, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines are all a lot cheaper than Thailand. I have seen many people leave for these places.
But for me, only a few real options I could think of when looking for place to be based
- A good residency program
- Reasonable cost of living
- A good hub for transportation
- Nice weather
- Low tax
- Developed enough to live a comfortable life
I believe that 3 (maybe 4 place) tick these boxes (that I have been to)
Firstly, I prefer South East Asia, it’s a dynamic and thriving place that has a lot going for it right now. With the development in Vietnam that has a GDP of 7% you can see cities such as Saigon change before your eyes.
The cities in the region are fast peace vibrant places.
What do I feel when I go back to Europe?
I state quiet and depleting. When I go back home (U.K.) not much has changed, the fact is I go back once a year to see it where it was the year before. And that everything closes after 6pm.
So, what do you have in Asian cities. 24/7 rush, try finding a shops that shut before 6pm here is more difficult than one that is open. I have been wanting a snack late at night or going for runs early on in the morning the place is always active. Food vendors, traffic, things are happening at a faster peace here. It a good place to spend some time if you are into this fast peace life.
Couple, this with world class views from the mountains in Vietnam, to the beaches Philippines. All with in a short trip costing under $100 it seems a good place to be.
Bangkok, KL, Singapore are the best options with the residency programs. Read my other articles on the subjects or residencies here & Easiest Country To Get a Residency.
But for me in brief Singapore, if you have $2 million for the residency to gift away, it is a great option so unless you have a 8 figure saving account I can see better options.
Malaysia, is for me a hidden gem. One that is often over looked wrongly so due to its religion or just not be deemed as exciting as other places in the region.
For me this place would be the better option, but the Thai residency is faster and easier and came with more perks. I am going to get the MH2 visa as talks of raising the price and even getting rid of it are rumored going out completely. When compared this to the European residency option it is far less.
Plus, the place for me is the most underrated place in the world. Read more about what I have written about KL in my articles. REad specific articles on where is best to live SE Asia
Bangkok and KL, for the average person I believe to be better valued than Singapore for example if I want, modern shopping, great hospitals, flights across the region (and world), within the city has great transportation systems and nice parks. No, not as efficient and clean round the edges as Singapore and both cities in parts could class as dirty, but people forgot they are living in third world countries when enriched with such modern architecture. Just look at both these skylines.
For pure value, its a lot better without you giving up to much if any in the way of lifestyle.
If any one has any questions about living in Thailand or south East Asia happy to answer your questions
